Bottom line: Hurtigruten’s 12-day Classic Round Trip (Bergen to Kirkenes and back) is the authentic Norwegian fjord experience—small ship, expert guides, landing in remote villages no big ship can reach. Princess and MSC offer traditional 7-day fjord cruises departing from Copenhagen or Hamburg—better for first-timers who want luxury and nightlife. Budget $2500-$6000 per person for Hurtigruten, $1500-$3500 for mainstream lines.
Norway’s fjords are so dramatic they look Photoshopped. Cruising is the only way to fully appreciate them—towers of rock rising straight from dark water, waterfalls cascading from plateaus, tiny villages clinging to impossible terrain.
Hurtigruten vs Mainstream Cruise
Hurtigruten Expedition
- Ships: 500-1000 passengers, purpose-built for Arctic waters
- Vibe: Expedition-focused, educational lectures, science teams on board
- Includes: Full board, coffee/tea, some excursions
- Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, mature travelers
Hurtigruten ships actually dock in the villages they visit—your window looks out at the village square, not open ocean. This is how Norwegians have traveled the coast for 130 years.
Book Hurtigruten through Tiqets when available, or directly at hurtigruten.com. Their “Fast Track” booking includes transfers and pre-cruise Bergen hotel.
Princess/MSC/Holland America
- Ships: 2000-4000 passengers, full entertainment suite
- Vibe: Resort vacation with fjord views
- Best for: First-time cruisers, families, those who want nightlife
- Not ideal for: Photographers and nature enthusiasts (ships are too large for intimate fjords)
Must-See Fjords
Geirangerfjord (UNESCO)
The iconic one. Towers of rock, waterfalls everywhere. Best seen from the water at sunrise when the light turns gold. The “Seven Sisters” waterfall (Kjerringdalstø) is on the left as you enter, the “Suitor” (Frierteigen) directly across.
Nærøyfjord (UNESCO)
Narrower, more intimate than Geiranger. The walls feel close enough to touch. Most Hurtigruten itineraries include a kayak excursion here—book it, it’s the highlight of any Norway trip.
Lysefjord
Home to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike. If your cruise doesn’t include Lysefjord, do a day trip from Stavanger—it’s a 4-hour round-trip hike with 900m elevation gain and views that make your knees weak.
The Flåm Railway
One of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. 20km from Flåm to Myrdal, descending 864 meters through waterfalls and mountain terrain. Klook sells combined Flåm Railway + fjord cruise packages—much better value than booking separately.
What to Pack
Norway in summer (June-August): layers, rain jacket, hiking shoes. Norway in shoulder season (May, September): warmer layers, beanie. Don’t bother with formal wear on Hurtigruten; functional outdoor gear is the norm.
Season Guide
| Season | Temperature | Daylight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | 45-60°F | 16-20 hrs | Medium |
| June | 55-70°F | 18-24 hrs | High |
| July-Aug | 60-75°F | 18-24 hrs | Peak |
| September | 45-60°F | 12-16 hrs | Medium |
Midnight Sun: Above the Arctic Circle (Bodø north), the sun doesn’t set from late May to mid-July. Book a Hurtigruten northbound passage in June for the full effect.
Summary
The Norwegian fjords are best seen slowly. Hurtigruten’s 12-day voyage is expensive but irreplaceable—you’ll visit places that appear in no other cruise itinerary. If budget is a concern, Princess’s 7-day “Norwegian Fjords” round-trip from Hamburg hits Geiranger and Nærøyfjord and costs half as much. Either way, book your Klook shore excursions in Flåm before departure.
‘Want to turn travel into a career? Join Travel Arbitrage Partners’